*TW: Please be advised this petition may be triggering to some individuals. This petition contains information on disordered eating. The picture I have included is from when Eugenia was healthier. I have not included updated pictures as they may be triggering. If you choose to search updated images, please be aware they may be disturbing.*

As someone who works in the field of mental health, I know the devastating effects that eating disorders can have on individuals and their loved ones. It is with great concern that I start this petition to call for a temporary ban on Eugenia Cooney's presence on TikTok due to her promotion of anorexia.

Eugenia Cooney, a popular content creator on TikTok, has amassed a significant following by showcasing her extremely thin physique and engaging in behaviors that are consistent with anorexia. While it is important to respect individual freedom of expression and body autonomy, we must also recognize the responsibility influencers hold when it comes to promoting harmful behaviors. Eugenia's behaviors and dangerously thin physique earn her money and views which may encourage others to do the same. Eugenia's behaviors are being reinforced by earning money and views for her physique. Why would she get help when she is profiting off of her eating disorder? Eugenia's mother does not help the matter, she says Eugenia is fine and that she is not concerned. 

Anorexia nervosa is a serious mental illness characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight, leading individuals to restrict their food intake severely. This disorder has one of the highest mortality rates among psychiatric illnesses, with up to 20% of those affected dying prematurely as a result (National Eating Disorders Association). By glamorizing extreme thinness and perpetuating unrealistic beauty standards through her content, Eugenia Cooney may be inadvertently encouraging vulnerable individuals towards disordered eating patterns. 

Moreover, research has shown that exposure to images or messages promoting unhealthy body ideals can significantly impact viewers' self-esteem and body image perception (Perloff et al., 2014). With over 1.8 million followers on TikTok alone (as August 31st, 2023) Eugenia Cooney's influence cannot be underestimated. One of her videos has 98.6 million views. Her content has the potential to reach millions more users who may already struggle with body image issues or disordered eating tendencies.

While we acknowledge that everyone should have the freedom to express themselves online, it is crucial for platforms like TikTok to take responsibility for protecting their users from potentially harmful content. We urge TikTok's management team and relevant authorities within its community guidelines enforcement to temporarily ban Eugenia Cooney from the platform until she demonstrates a commitment to promoting healthy body image and recovery from eating disorders.

By signing this petition, we are not only advocating for the well-being of those who may be negatively impacted by Eugenia Cooney's content but also sending a message that platforms must prioritize user safety over popularity. Together, let us work towards creating an online environment that fosters positivity, inclusivity, and mental health awareness. Not only are we attempting to protect viewers, this petition also serves as a means to encourage Eugenia to begin her journey toward recovery. If Eugenia does not receive help, she may not be alive much longer to continue creating content.

Sources:
- National Eating Disorders Association: www.nationaleatingdisorders.org
- Perloff, R. M., Zhou, S., & Andrzejewski, S. A. (2014). Exposure to celebrity-endorsed anti-obesity public service announcements affects implicit attitudes toward obesity: An experimental study. Health Communication, 29(3), 284-291.

Note: This petition is personal to the creator due to their professional experience in mental health and knowledge of the damaging effects eating disorders can have.